Celebrate Thanksgiving With These Seven Classic Dishes Paired With Beer

Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones, savoring a delicious meal, and reflecting on what we’re grateful for—and what better way to enhance the holiday spirit than by incorporating beer into your Thanksgiving feast?

Here, we’ll guide you through seven fantastic meal ideas that pair perfectly with your favorite brews. From appetizers to dessert, these beer-inspired tips will help you create a memorable holiday spread. Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or you’re simply looking for fresh ideas, this guide will ensure your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, great flavors, and good cheer.

The History And Meaning Of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traces its roots back to the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest. The Pilgrims, who had endured a harsh winter after arriving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, were aided by the Wampanoag people (indigenous people), who taught them how to grow local crops like corn and squash. This historic gathering is often considered the origin of Thanksgiving, although it was not an official holiday at the time.

Thanksgiving became an annual tradition in different regions, but it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. Lincoln sought to unify a divided country by encouraging Americans to set aside a day of gratitude.

Thanksgiving = Still “Alive”
Many hosts build holiday playlists to match the mood of the occasion as well as for the enjoyment of friends and family. If your visitors are big fans of 90s grunge music, adding many of the best Pearl Jam songs to such a playlist would be a shrewd decision that would surely please the whole gathering.

Today, Thanksgiving represents more than just a historical event. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of gratitude, family and togetherness. Modern celebrations may vary, but the core meaning remains the same: giving thanks for the blessings we have and sharing those blessings with others.

7 Delicious Recipes For Thanksgiving Joy

Thanksgiving is synonymous with delicious food, and these five recipes are sure to bring joy to your holiday table. Each dish combines traditional flavors with a touch of warmth and love, making your celebration memorable.

1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Paired with Saison Dupont by Brasserie Dupont

The classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter pairs exceptionally well with the earthy and slightly peppery notes of Saison Dupont. The saison’s delicate floral and citrusy qualities enhance the savory flavors of the turkey and herb-infused butter, while its effervescent finish adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Together, they create a balanced, harmonious pairing that elevates your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry, season the cavity with salt and pepper, and spread half of the herb butter under the skin, with the remaining butter on the outside.
4. Add Vegetables and Broth: Place onion, carrots, and celery in the cavity, and add broth to the roasting pan.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with a glass of Saison Dupont to enhance the dish’s herbaceous, savory flavors.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes Paired with Three Philosophers by Brewery Ommegang

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Brewery Ommegang’s Three Philosophers make a bold pairing, with the beer’s rich, dark fruit notes and subtle chocolate tones enhancing the comforting creaminess and roasted garlic in this side dish. The beer’s malty sweetness beautifully offsets the savory flavors, while its full-bodied complexity adds warmth to every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft. Squeeze the cloves out when cool.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain and Mash: Drain potatoes and return to the pot, adding roasted garlic, cream, and butter.
4. Mash and Season: Mash to desired consistency, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve alongside Three Philosophers, letting its deep flavors elevate this Thanksgiving favorite.

3. Green Bean Casserole Paired with Allagash White by Allagash Brewing Co.

Allagash White’s light, citrusy character and subtle spiced undertones make it an ideal match for Green Bean Casserole. The beer’s crisp, clean finish refreshes the palate, balancing the casserole’s creamy texture and mushroom richness, while its hints of coriander add a unique twist to this holiday classic.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Boil salted water and cook beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green. Drain.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: Mix blanched beans, 1 cup of French fried onions, and cheese (if using) into the sauce.
5. Bake the Casserole: Pour into a greased dish and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Add Topping: Add remaining onions, bake another 10-15 minutes, then serve alongside Allagash White to enhance each comforting bite with a zesty contrast.

4. Cranberry-Orange Sauce Paired with Pale Ale by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

The crisp, citrusy notes of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale beautifully complement the tangy and slightly sweet Cranberry-Orange Sauce. The beer’s subtle bitterness balances the sauce’s tartness, while its light caramel malt adds a warm contrast. Together, this pairing enhances both the brightness of the sauce and the refreshing qualities of the beer.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse the Cranberries: Rinse and remove any stems.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and cinnamon.
3. Cook the Mixture: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst.
4. Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.
5. Serve: Enjoy alongside Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which refreshes and balances the tart, sweet flavors of the sauce.

5. Pumpkin Pie Paired with Pumking by Southern Tier Brewing Company

Pumpkin Pie and Southern Tier’s Pumking make a delightful, dessert-inspired pairing. Pumking’s spiced, pumpkin-pie-like notes match the rich flavors of the pie, creating a seamless and decadent combination. The beer’s warmth and slight sweetness enhance the spices in the pie, adding an extra layer of autumnal indulgence to your Thanksgiving dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in eggs one at a time, then gradually stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
4. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes until a knife comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Serve with a glass of Pumking to highlight the spiced, festive flavors of this Thanksgiving classic.

6. Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Stuffing Balls Paired with Fat Tire Amber Ale

This decadent stuffing brings together the sweetness of caramelized onions and the creamy richness of Gruyère, perfectly paired with the smooth, slightly nutty profile of Fat Tire Amber Ale. The beer’s balanced maltiness and subtle caramel notes complement the earthy herbs and savory bread, creating a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, caramelized onions, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Pour in the broth and beaten eggs, stirring gently to combine. Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
6. Serve Warm: Serve this aromatic stuffing alongside roasted turkey and enjoy with a glass of Fat Tire Amber Ale, which enhances the dish’s nutty, buttery flavors with its smooth malt finish.

7. Cranberry and Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Paired with Samuel Adams Boston Lager

If the first turkey dish didn’t float your boat, why not try this one? This cranberry and orange-glazed turkey breast brings a sweet, tangy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with Samuel Adams Boston Lager. The beer’s toasty malt backbone and hint of caramel enhance the richness of the roasted turkey, while its smooth, slightly bitter finish balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a harmonious and festive Thanksgiving dish.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast (3-4 lbs), bone-in and skin-on
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast: Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in rosemary and thyme.
4. Brush with Glaze: Brush the turkey breast generously with the cranberry-orange glaze, reserving some for basting during cooking.
5. Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side and a glass of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, which brings out the roasted and caramelized flavors in the turkey and glaze.

Conclusion: Putting The “Thanks” Back in Thanksgiving

The holidays can be an immensely difficult time as all of the year’s stresses, be they financial, personal, professional or otherwise, seem to come to a head as the calendars tick over into November and December.

Just remember, Thanksgiving as a holiday is meant to be a time to be thankful, generous and kind — and a time to remember all the good things that have come to you over the year, such as beer!

With this guide, we hope you’ll be thankful about something important this Thanksgiving, and that beer helps to make the holiday a more joyful occasion.

Beer Photos Courtesy Respective Breweries